Clapping for heroes was empty gesture
The news that NHS nurses will get only a one per cent pay rise is a massive insult to all those who are working hard day and night while putting their lives on the line.
While the Government clapped their efforts at the start of the pandemic, its decision to not pay nursing staff now means that this was an empty gesture.
You cannot pay the rent or living costs on an empty gesture. We should at least give nurses an above-inflation pay rise, with an added one-off bonus.
Oliver Steward, Norwich
I see the nursing unions are preparing a £35 million strike fund. Why don’t they give it back to the nurses?
Dennis Haslam, Barnsley
Some might say a one per cent rise is an insult, but in the public sector the Government has to rely upon what it can obtain from taxes.
M. Trotter, Sunderland
I am a registered nurse and understand the frustrations of my colleagues. But is this really the time for the Royal College of Nursing to be demanding a 12.5 per cent rise?
NHS staff are paid on a banding system – this incorporates both clinical and non-clinical staff.
Yes, we need our excellent clerical staff, but during the pandemic many have had the opportunity to work from home, just like other sectors throughout the country.
There is a defined competence structure for nursing development, but it continues to be much easier for clerical staff to be promoted.
So my argument is clear – how can the RCN be fighting for nurses’ pay when this 12.5 per cent will also end up including non-clinical staff?
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Online businesses, especially Amazon, have benefited greatly during the pandemic and have so far escaped a justifiable online sales tax which would bring in more money to fund a fair increase for NHS staff.
Ann Johnson, Runcorn
This is the latest failure by Matt Hancock. Surely now his position as Health Secretary has become untenable and he should make way for someone who knows what they are doing. If he says he can’t afford to give the hardworking nurses a decent rise perhaps we can save money by doing without his services.
J. Mckie, Gateshead